Meeting Minutes - December 1, 2025

Meeting Overview

The Altoona City Council convened on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6:00 P. M. in the Council Chambers of the City of Altoona Training Facility. The meeting was televised on Public Access Channel 14 and re-broadcast the following day.

Attendees:

• Present: Mayor Pacifico, Council members Beatty, Butterbaugh, Clinich, Ellis, Ickes, and Kelley (via phone).
• Absent: None reported.

Resolutions Passed

The City Clerk read resolutions into the record, and a consent vote was taken on all items. All passed with a 7-0 vote. Key decisions included:

• Minutes Approval: Approved the minutes from the November 10, 2025 meeting.
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Approved the 2026-2030 CIP, outlining prioritized projects to preserve infrastructure and ensure safety over the next five years.
• Fee Resolution Amendments: Amended fees for the Fire Department and Codes & Inspections.
  • Increases: Rooming/Boarding House Inspection, Fire Safety Inspection Code Official, Flammable Tanks Permit, Operational Permit, CPR Training Class, Halfway/Recovery Home License, and Sexually Oriented Business Fees.
  • Removals: Electrical Licenses and Plumber Licenses were removed from this resolution.
• Auditing Services: Awarded the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Independent Auditing Services for 2025–2027 to Young, Oakes, Brown and Company. This includes audits for Federal Housing funds, the Redevelopment Authority, and the Altoona Water Authority.
• Police Department Appointments:
  • Appointed Derek Swope as Police Chief, effective January 2, 2026.
  • Appointed Nathan Snyder as Deputy Police Chief, effective January 2, 2026.
• Vehicle Donation: Approved the donation of a 2014 Ford Explorer to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Act 120 Municipal Police Academy for training purposes.
• Aquatic Facility Design: Approved a contract with Aquatic Facility Design, Inc. for design services for the new Prospect Pool complex.
  • Cost: $298,165. 00 for Swimming Pool Complex Design and $115,000. 00 for Bathhouse & Concessions Design.
  • Funding: Central PA Community Foundation Funds.
• Demolition Bids: Awarded bids to G&R Excavating & Demolition and Leckey’s Demolition for the following properties, payable from the "All Together Altoona Fund":
  • 219 6th Avenue: $20,265. 40
  • 215 E. 5th Avenue: $16,828. 50
  • 1908 18th Street: $17,240. 00
  • 607 Bell Avenue: $17,644. 50
  • 2120 6th Avenue: $7,400. 00
  • 1111 N 6th Avenue: $11,700. 00
  • 1710 24th Avenue: $10,900. 00

Ordinances Introduced

• Chapter 571: An ordinance was introduced to add a new chapter to the City Code titled "Halfway/Recovery, Rooming and Boarding, and Institutionalized Facility Licensing Program. " This establishes application, inspection, and licensing requirements for these specific types of housing.

Public Comment

• Jim Fornari (1015 LaSelle Lane) stated he owns a hauling business and feels discriminated against because he is not allowed to dump at the transfer station. He was referred to the IRC for assistance.

Council Discussion & Announcements

• Spirit of Christmas Parade: Scheduled for Saturday, December 6th at 1:00 P. M. , followed by a Party in the Park with tree-lighting, Santa, and fireworks.
• Police Leadership Change: Council members expressed gratitude to outgoing Police Chief Joe Merrill for his 20 years of service and welcomed the new leadership team.
• Prospect Pool: The final design for the new Prospect Pool was approved, with bidding expected in early 2026.
• Blighted Property Review Committee: Councilman Beatty thanked Rebecca Brown and staff for their work on this committee, aimed at creating livable, sustainable housing.
• Weather Alert: Mayor Pacifico announced that due to an impending storm, the Salvation Army would open a warming center from 10:00 P. M. on December 1st until 8:00 A. M. on December 2nd.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Pacifico at 6:37 P. M.